JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 16, 2010) - The East Tennessee State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the International Storytelling Center and the Carnegie Hotel will host a special event called "Tales and Tailgate" prior to the NBA preseason game between the New Orleans Hornets and Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. inside the Carnegie Hotel's Grand Soldiers Ballroom.

The event will feature former NBA and collegiate greats as they share their stories of a life spent in basketball, as well as a chance for fans to meet members of the New Orleans Hornets team and coaching staff, who will attend the event prior to the game. Former New York Knicks legend Willis Reed, New Orleans Hornets' owner George Shinn, former ETSU and Auburn head coach Sonny Smith are just some of those expected to be on hand, while efforts are still underway to bring former NBA All-Star Charles Barkley and College Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Gene Bartow in for the event as well.

Tickets for the event will be $75 if purchased prior to Oct. 13, or $100 the night of the event. Tickets will include not only admission to the storytelling, but also a cocktail buffet and open bar. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 423-439-8398.

Along with the visit from the Hornets and a chance to hear stories from the game's best, Hugo the Hornet and the Honeybees Dance Team will also be in attendance, and a special silent auction with a multitude of autographed memorabilia and other special items will be available.

Good seats are still available for the game itself, and they may be purchased by calling 423-439-ETSU (3878). For more on the game and the Tales and Tailgate, visit ETSUBucs.com.